Doug Rothwell, CEO and Department Director of the Michigan Jobs Commission, issued the following statement today regarding SB 1340, a bill that would open the electric market to deregulation."More than two years ago, the Michigan Jobs Commission started the debate on electric competition by pointing out that rates in Michigan are up to 15% higher than our competitor states. As a result of this cost disparity, we've lost new projects, and the jobs that go with them, to other states. This bill will open the market to competition, which is good for everyone, but it does it in a way that will protect consumers. "The PSC orders will open the electric market with or without this legislation, but this legislation incorporates many group's input and provides certainty for the market. We don't have enough capacity in this state for electric service and passing this legislation will let everyone know the rules of the game. That way, providers can start adding capacity. We shouldn't let another summer of brownouts pass without this legislation."This is a good compromise bill. After two-plus years of debate, the time to act is now. Competition will put Michigan back among the leading states on this issue, and that will mean more good jobs for Michigan residents," Rothwell said.